Bumper pool game

ABSTRACT

A new and improved method and apparatus for bumper pool adds considerably to the interest and challenge of playing the game. The bumper pool game may be played on larger tables, as compared to conventional bumper pool, with more balls, offering options for players with differing skill levels. The bumper pool game may provide for a variety of different shaped and sized bumpers. The bumper pool table may be designed for coin-operation by a ball return stop mechanism and controls the release of the balls to their respective sides of the table. A ball return set-up may return the balls to their respective ends of the table for quick and easy set up for playing the next game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to game apparatus and methods, and more particularly, to a bumper pool game.

Bumper pool is commonly considered a bar room game and/or a home entertainment game that has developed where space is limited. Its history in coin-operated applications for recreational play is quite extensive. Bumper pool is generally played on a playing surface smaller than conventional pool, with fewer balls on a table type playing surface with the addition of bumpers to the table top in a specific layout and without conventional pockets. Conventional bumper pool does not use a cue ball shot by the player at an object ball scheme like pocket billiards games. Instead, bumper pool provides for the player to shoot the object ball directly with their cue stick into whatever direction, speed and spin conditions the player prefers. The object of the game in bumper pool is to hole out all of the player's game balls through an opening on the playing surface of the table by shooting the ball directly at the hole or bouncing it off of other balls, the side rails, or the bumpers.

The digital gaming industry has seized considerable market share away from the pool table/billiards industry. There has been little or no response from the industry to encourage the gamer to return to their table-based game.

As can be seen, there is a need for a new billiards-type game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a game comprises a table having side rails about the periphery thereof; a plurality of bumpers disposed on the table; first and second scoring holes disposed at opposing ends of the table; and scoring circles circumscribed about the first and second scoring holes.

In another aspect of the present invention, a bumper pool game comprises a table having side rails about the periphery thereof; a plurality of bumpers disposed on the table; first and second scoring holes disposed at opposing ends of the table; scoring circles circumscribed about the first and second scoring holes; first and second ball reservoirs positioned at the opposing ends of the table; and first and second ball return conduits, the first ball return conduit adapted to receive balls dropped into the first scoring hole and returning the balls to the first ball reservoir, and the second ball return conduit adapted to receive balls dropped into the second scoring hole and returning the balls to the second ball reservoir.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bumper pool table according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the bumper pool table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the bumper pool table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a bumper pool table according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partially cut-away cross-sectional view of the bumper pool table of Figure; and

FIG. 6A is a detailed plan view of a ball return release lever of the bumper pool table of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a new and improved method and apparatus for bumper pool that adds considerably to the interest and challenge of playing the game. The bumper pool game may be played on larger tables, as compared to conventional bumper pool, with more balls, offering options for players with differing skill levels. The bumper pool game may provide for a variety of different shaped and sized bumpers. The bumper pool table may be designed for coin-operation by a ball return stop mechanism and controls the release of the balls to their respective sides of the table.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a bumper pool table 10 may include a table 11, typically mounted on a plurality of legs. The table 11 may be sized, for example, the same size as a conventional billiards table without pockets. Typically, the table 11 has a width that is from about 30 to about 70 percent of its length. In some embodiments, the table 11 has a width that is about one-half of its length.

Scoring holes 12 may be cut into the table 11. The scoring holes 12 may include one scoring hole 12 disposed at each lengthwise end of the table 11. The scoring holes 12 may be disposed a certain distance from side rails 24. In some embodiments, the scoring holes 12 may be centered between the lengthwise side rails 24 and spaced from about 3 to about 14 inches from the widthwise side rails 24. The scoring holes 12 may have a diameter that is larger than balls 18, 20, 22 used for playing the game. In some embodiments, the scoring holes 12 may be made smaller with an insert (not shown) that may be placed about the circumference of the scoring hole 12. Of course, the insert may not make the resulting diameter of the scoring hole 12 smaller than the diameter of the balls 18, 20, 22. A scoring circle 14 may be coaxially circumscribed about the scoring holes 12. The scoring circle 14 may be indicated on the surface of the table 11 so as not to interfere with the travel of the balls. The scoring circle 14 may have a diameter that ranged from about 30 to about 40 percent of the width of the table 11, typically about one-third of the width of the table 11.

A plurality of bumpers 16 may be disposed on the table 11. In some embodiments, the bumpers 16 may be interchangeable on the surface of the table 11. For example, the bumpers 16 may attach to the table with a bolt (not shown), allowing one bumper to be removed and another bumper (perhaps a replacement bumper for a damaged one, or a bumper of a different size or shape) to be used. The bumpers 16 may be various shapes, including, for example, oval, square, triangular, elliptical, round and the like. In some embodiments, the bumpers 16 are rounded rectangular shaped, as shown in FIG. 1. The bumpers 16 may be placed at various locations on the table 11. In some embodiments, at least first and second bumpers 16 may be disposed on opposing sides of the scoring hole 12. The size and shape of the bumpers 16 may be changed to vary the skill level required for successful playing of the bumper pool game 10.

The bumper pool game 10 may include a ball return mechanism that directs balls that enter the scoring holes 12 to a ball reservoir 32 at an opposite end of the table 11. Each scoring hole 12 may have its own ball transfer conduit 26 to deliver balls to respective ball reservoirs 32. By directing the balls to both sides of the table, once the game is complete, the player may simply proceed to take the balls out of their respective ball reservoirs 32 and set up for the next game. This ball return feature may save players time from sorting their balls or moving balls from one end to the other. The ball transfer conduits 26 may attach to the scoring holes 12 by, for example, a flange 30 and an elbow 28.

As shown in FIGS. 4 through 6, the ball return mechanism may include a coin-operated dispenser 34. As used herein, the term “coin-operated dispenser” may refer to a device designed to take coins, paper currency, credit cards or the like. The coin-operated dispenser 34 may include an actuator mechanism 40 attached, via an attachment pin 38, for example, to a ball capture device 36. The ball capture device 36 may be designed to prevent passage of the balls through the ball transfer conduits 26 when positioned in a first, blocking position, and may allow passage of the balls through the ball transfer conduits 26 when positioned in a second, released position. The coin-operated dispenser 34 may be designed in various configurations. For example, the coin-operated dispenser 34 may be designed to accept a predetermined number of coins. Once the coins are inserted, the user may be allowed to press in the actuator mechanism 40, moving the ball capture device 36 from the first position to the second position, allowing the balls to move to their respective ball reservoirs 32. A time delay, such as a dampened return, may be present in the actuator mechanism 40. The time delay may allow all the balls to move through the ball transfer conduits 26 to their respective ball reservoirs 32 before the ball capture device 36 moves back to the first position. In some embodiments, the ball capture device 36 may include cut-out arcs, as shown in FIG. 6A, the arcs being shaped similar to the arcs of the ball transfer conduits 26. In the first position, the ball capture device 36 may be positioned in the ball transfer conduits 26 to prevent movement of balls therethrough. In the second position, the arcs may align with each of the ball transfer conduits 26, allowing the balls to pass therethrough and onto their respective ball reservoirs 32.

In some embodiments of the present invention, two sets of colored balls may be positioned at opposing ends of the table 11, as shown in FIG. 1. The first ball 20 and the last ball 22 to be holed during play may be designated for each color and spotted at specific layout locations. In some embodiments, the table 11 may be marked for initial ball layout. In some embodiments, from about 5 to about 15 balls may be used by each player. In some embodiments, in addition to the first and last balls 20, 22, the other balls 18 may be labeled to indicate order for holing. The balls may be sized in either of the two conventional billiard ball sizes, or may be made of a different size.

The bumper pool game 10 may be played by two opposing players or two opposing teams of players. The object of the game may be to hole all of your team's balls before the other team holes their balls. First and last balls 20, 22 to be holed by each player may be designated and placed at a specific location to start the game. A team's balls are generally positioned at the end of the table, opposite that team's scoring hole. Holing the final ball by either team ends the game and determines the winner.

Play may be begun by players from each team simultaneously shooting their respective designated first ball toward their scoring hole. The team leaving their ball nearer to their hole continues plan with their inning. The teams/players may alternate innings, with players (or teams) alternating shots unless a ball is holed. A holed shot may permit that team to continue their inning. No limit to the number of innings in any game is anticipated.

The scoring circle may be used to determine control or continued control of the table. Further, the scoring circle might be used as a scoring limitation, for example, no ball might be permitted to be holed from inside the scoring circle.

Penalties, similar to those in conventional billiards, may apply for common player errors, such as a ball leaving the playing surface and coming to rest outside the playing surface. Other rules may be applied based on the players wants and needs.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

1. A game comprising: a table having side rails about the periphery thereof; a plurality of bumpers disposed on the table; first and second scoring holes disposed at opposing ends of the table; and scoring circles circumscribed about the first and second scoring holes.
 2. The game of claim 1, wherein the shape of at least one of the plurality of bumpers is not round.
 3. The game of claim 1, further comprising first and second ball return conduits, the first ball return conduit adapted to receive balls dropped into the first scoring hole and returning the balls to a first ball reservoir at a first end of the table, and the second ball return conduit adapted to receive balls dropped into the second scoring hole and returning the balls to a second ball reservoir at a second, opposite end of the table.
 4. The game of claim 1, wherein the scoring circles is coaxially disposed about the first and second scoring holes, the scoring circles having a diameter from about 30 to about 40 percent of the width of the table.
 5. The game of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of balls, the balls adapted to fit through the first and second scoring holes, the balls including indications thereupon to differentiate a first set of balls and a second set of balls, the first set of balls and the second set of balls each including a first-to-be-holed ball and a last-to-be-holed ball.
 6. The game of claim 3, further comprising a coin-operated dispenser adapted to selectively retain and release balls in the first and second ball return conduits.
 7. The game of claim 6, further comprising a ball capture device, the ball capture device actuated by an actuator mechanism of the coin-operated dispenser, the ball capture device configured to move between a first position, retaining balls in the first and second ball return conduits, and a second position, permitting passage of the balls through the first and second ball return conduits.
 8. The game of claim 1, wherein the bumpers are interchangeably and removably attached to the table, thereby allowing a user to change bumper size or bumper shape.
 9. A bumper pool game comprising: a table having side rails about the periphery thereof; a plurality of bumpers disposed on the table; first and second scoring holes disposed at opposing ends of the table; scoring circles circumscribed about the first and second scoring holes; first and second ball reservoirs positioned at the opposing ends of the table; and first and second ball return conduits, the first ball return conduit adapted to receive balls dropped into the first scoring hole and returning the balls to the first ball reservoir, and the second ball return conduit adapted to receive balls dropped into the second scoring hole and returning the balls to the second ball reservoir.
 10. The bumper pool game of claim 9, further comprising: a coin-operated dispenser adapted to selectively retain and release balls in the first and second ball return conduits; and a ball capture device, the ball capture device actuated by an actuator mechanism of the coin-operated dispenser, the ball capture device configured to move between a first position, retaining balls in the first and second ball return conduits, and a second position, permitting passage of the balls through the first and second ball return conduits. 